The website Online Degrees evaluated several large U.S. cities to determine which would be the best for new college graduates. And their number one choice was our city of Houston. So if you’ve just graduated and you’re looking for a new job, or willing to relocate for one, there are plenty of reasons why Houston and the surrounding areas would be a good choice for you. Before you make your final decision, it’s helpful to do some research for yourself to see how Houston can fit your lifestyle and career. Let’s take a closer look.

Diverse culture.

The diversity of the Houston area is something to be celebrated. You know that when you find a new job in one of our area businesses, you won’t be in a homogeneous zone with others who look or think just like you. Different mindsets and cultures help challenge ourselves out of our own comfort zone, and that’s a good thing.

Big companies.

Several Fortune 500 companies call Houston their home. Energy companies, technology companies, accounting companies, and more all have their headquarters in the Houston area. The job market is open and there are plenty of opportunities for support positions as well.

Quality of life.

There is a lot to be said about the quality of life in the Houston area. There is art and culture, music, entertainment, sports, and so much more. The weather is comfortable. Yes, there was an impact from the hurricane in 2017, but Houston is a resilient city and the quality of life was never once diminished.

Affordable living.

If you do want to move to Houston for a new job just out of college, it’s also important to consider the affordability. The median rent in the area is still under $1000 per month. There are also a variety of areas and neighborhoods where you can find just what you’re looking for, whether your preferences are urban or suburban.

Are you thinking about the Houston area for a new job after you graduate? If so, contact the staffing experts at Meador, now hiring for jobs in Houston TX and the surrounding areas.

What is the gig economy you’ve been hearing about? The concept has been around for quite some time, but it has been gaining popularity since the mid-2000s, after the recession. The gig economy is predicated on employees accepting shorter term jobs, freelance projects, or engaging in other forms of revenue generating business outside the traditional employer-employee relationship. And the gig economy is only expanding, so is now the right time to look for a job or could a short-term project work for you?

Do you want a traditional job?

A traditional job may still be the right solution for many people. You can take a look at the pros and cons of traditional jobs and compare them to those for contract or freelance work. For example, a traditional job can provide long-term stability, which can be important to some people depending on their family or financial needs. But the gig economy may offer different benefits.

Are you flexible with your time and finances?

When looking at your lifestyle, do you have the flexibility to enter the gig economy market? Short-term and freelance jobs may have a less reliable stream of income and inconsistency can happen month to month. But once you build up your stable of jobs or take short-term contracts, you can find a rhythm that works for you both personally and financially.

How much stability do you need?

General stability will come into play as well as you explore the gig economy. What happens when you’re not working? Some people like the time off to work on personal projects, but others would rather stay working. The gig economy is also a hustle. You may have never been a salesperson before, but if you want to find new projects you need to learn to sell yourself. And short-term or freelance jobs could end at any time without warning.

Is ownership important to you?

But one common denominator in the gig economy is that most people who thrive love the control they have over their time and productivity. This sense of ownership can overcome some of the instability of the lifestyle. With good budgeting and planning, this can be freeing. As a part of the gig economy, you work for yourself. Even when taking a short-term project, you know you have control over your time and how you dedicate yourself to the project.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Deer Park TX

Are you interested in learning more about contract work or temporary job assignments? Contact the team at Meador Staffing, now hiring for temp jobs in Clear Lake TX.

Every year, our goal is to provide the best possible information for job seekers in Texas. Whether you’re unhappy in your current role or you’re unemployed looking for a new position, we want to be a resource for advice to help you in your job search. So what were our top tips from 2017? Before we begin with new content in 2018, let’s take a look back at the top 5 posts last year.

There may be ample opportunity to determine a company isn’t a good fit for you before you even start. Look for these warning signs may help you make the right decision. We suggest looking at their overall communication, attitude, and reputation. Also look for any personality conflicts, a lack of clarity in the job description, and inconsistent policies.

We also wanted to give job seekers a sort of behind the scenes look at the truth about looking for a job. What are some of the biggest misconceptions and myths? We wanted to share why you shouldn’t apply to everything, how job hopping really affects your chances, how to find hidden opportunities, and how to follow up after applying.

If you’ve done temporary work between full-time jobs, how do you effectively put that on your resume? Since the situation is so common, we wanted to provide some insider information on the process. You can show the consistency in your work experience, new skills you learned, your overall determination, and even use the agency as a reference for your continued search.

If you really want to make a good impression in the interviewing process, there are some questions that would set you apart from your competition. They demonstrate your interest in the job and your thoughtfulness for making a decision. Ask questions about their process for determining success, how they think the company can be improved, and why they might not choose to hire you. We’ve also offered insight as to why these questions and how to position them.

Of course, there may be times when you see a job ad that looks great but you’re missing some of the experience they’re looking for. What do you do? We believe there are ways to position yourself as the right candidate even if you don’t check all the boxes. In this post, we talk about how to read the job description to understand the top requirements, how to sell the skills you do have, and avoid focusing on the things you don’t bring to the table.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Pasadena TX

What were your favorite posts from 2017 and how can we help you in the new year? Contact Meador Staffing, now hiring for jobs in Pasadena TX, to learn more today.

This time of year, many people have been volunteering in their community or giving to local charities. The holiday season seems to be the perfect time for these kinds of activities. But did you know that volunteering all year long can be healthy for you and good for your career? If you want to know how volunteering can be a great professional stepping stone for you, here are just a few reasons to consider giving back to your community starting today.

It can boost your mood and self-esteem.

Did you know that volunteering was good for your health? Studies have shown that giving back to your community can help improve your heart health and reduce overall stress. While you can volunteer out of purely selfless motivations, it never hurts to have some personal benefits.

You can learn new skills.

There will always be a need for people with the very talent you possess to pitch in for local organizations. No matter what it is that you do, someone needs you to do it. At the same time, like any job, there will be intricacies that require you to adjust your skills and learn new things along the way. This can be a great resume builder for the future.

You will meet new people.

While you’re working within the community, you’ll have a chance to meet others who share similar values. These are leaders in your area that you may not have any other opportunity to meet outside this context. Networking is a skill you should build at all times, and this is an easy way to make that happen.

You can really make a difference.

Of course, we can’t talk about philanthropy and volunteering without discussing the real, tangible benefits that you’ll be providing your community. Every little bit counts, so whether you are able to contribute a small sum of money or large amounts of your time, you will be able to help individuals and organization further their mission.

We’re Proud of the Way we Make a Difference in the Community

Do you want to work at a company where you can make a difference? Contact Meador Staffing, now hiring for jobs in Pasadena TX, today to learn more.

If you’ve been in the job market you’re probably aware of temp to hire opportunities. But maybe you’ve been concerned about taking on a role like this because you’re uncertain how it would impact your career path. But there are many reasons to consider temp-to-hire. Before you kick off the New Year in 2018, consider these potential benefits to working with a staffing agency to find a temp-to-hire position for you.

It can lead to full-time work.

The ultimate goal of a temp-to-hire position is to lead to full-time work, but that doesn’t mean your work is done when you accept the job. The employer is using this time to evaluate your performance and experience to make sure you’re the right person for their permanent position. If you do a great job throughout the temporary portion, you will be offered that permanent position.

It gives you a chance to try out the job.

But the experience goes both ways. Temp-to-hire means that you also get to check out the company and the specific job to determine if it is right for you. If you have any concerns or hesitations, you can discuss it with your recruiter and work out a solution for the problem or terminate the assignment and look for something else.

It builds relationships with a recruiter.

Your recruiter becomes your employment partner. They can work with you to find the right position. If one doesn’t work out, you can use that experience to find a better match. But it will also build a long-term working relationship that can last into the future if you’re ever in the hunt for another position or you are in a position to hire for your new organization.

It can get you working faster.

Many companies approach a staffing agency before they advertise a position to the general public. This means when you are established with an agency you will hear about new positions before they are published online or through any other local channels. Your recruiter wants to have you working as quickly as possible so they will do what they can to ensure that you are not out of the job market for very long.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Clear Lake TX

Do you think temp-to-hire could be right for you? Talk to the recruiters at Meador Staffing, now hiring for jobs in Clear Lake TX, to learn more today.

Now that Thanksgiving has passed us by and we’re starting to get ready for the December Holiday season, we should continue to take the time to be grateful every day. Gratitude shouldn’t be reserved for one Thursday in November, it should be a mindset to help you every day of the year. If you want to be more grateful this year and into 2018, here are some wise words to give you continued inspiration through the season and beyond.

1. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” William Arthur Ward.

Don’t just think it, say it. No matter what, and no matter when. If you are thankful for the actions of others, tell them. If you are thankful for a situation or an outcome, say it out loud. Gratitude is contagious and if you begin to spread it, a culture of gratitude will emerge.

2. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy.

Additionally, just saying the words is a great start, but thankfulness is an attitude. It involves more than just statements but actions that demonstrate your gratitude toward others in your family, work, and community.

3. “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.” Gertrude Stein.

We can’t stress enough that the true key to having gratitude in your life is expressing gratitude towards others. Say it loud, say it often, and don’t only say it when expected. Silence is the killer of gratitude and, often, productivity as well.

4. “You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

One of the reasons for making sure you say thank you when it matters is because you never know when it will be too late to say it at all. On a macro level, this applies to your loved ones. But also applies to situations at your work in your community because you may never get that chance back to tell someone they’ve made a difference.

5. “This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Maya Angelou.

Remember, gratitude is something you can feel each and every day regardless of the specific situation. If you’re having a bad day, for example, focus on the positive things rather than what’s going wrong. That can change your entire attitude for the better and turn the tide.

At Meador, we strive to be a leader in staffing excellence

How do you express your gratitude every day? Contact Meador Staffing, a top staffing agency in Houston TX, and learn how our team of recruiters will empower and motivate our candidates and employees to achieve their career goals by providing support, guidance, and accountability as a trusted career partner.

There are two kinds of job seekers in the world. The ones who feel like they have to live up to every possible aspect of a job description before sending in their resume and the ones who decide to just go for it. But should be you the person who just goes for it? What if you don’t meet every requirement? Should you still apply? There may be cases where applying anyway can get you the job when you employ the right strategy. Here’s how to do it.

Know the job description is a dream candidate.

Always keep in mind that the job description includes every possible requirement that the company would like to see in an ideal candidate. That doesn’t mean they will automatically get applicants that check all the boxes. If you feel that you check most of them, it still may be worth it to throw your hat in the ring.

Demonstrate why you’re the best person for the job.

Once you do apply, it is your job to prove to the hiring manager that you are the person they want to talk to about this job. Incorporate the specifics of the job with your past experience to help them see how you can be a problem solver for them. Express your interest in their company specifically, not just any job.

Showcase the skills you have and value you bring.

When sharing with them your experience, be sure to highlight the things that you bring to the table that can improve their business and fit their role. Spend time on the top qualities that they’re looking for that you also possess. Maintain a positive attitude and a cool confidence.

Don’t focus on the things you can’t do.

Finally, make sure that you’re not focusing on the parts of the job you’re not able to do. You may need to address these items in the interview process but remain optimistic that your experience learning new skills can get you up to speed quickly for the right employer. Make this a benefit for the company to not have to break old habits as you learn to work with them.

Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Pasadena TX

Are you looking for a great opportunity where you can learn and grow? Contact Meador, now hiring for jobs in Clear Lake TX.

There are few things more frustrating than not hearing back from a company. This can be annoying after you submit an application but can be positively anxiety-inducing after an interview. If you’re not getting a response from their human resources or hiring representatives, what can you do to expedite the process? There is an art to following up, so it’s important to know how and when. Here are some things to consider moving forward.

Talk to your recruiter.

If you’ve been working with a staffing agency, your first stop should be contacting your recruiter. They become the conduit between you and the potential employer and can help field any communications throughout the process. Give them a call or shoot them an email to see if they can determine where their clients are in making a decision.

Follow up.

Of course, it’s okay for you to follow up as well. In fact, at your interview you should always be sure to ask when they expect to make a decision and follow up just before that time. When you do, make sure that you sound confident and interested but not desperate. Desperation comes across a needy, and the company wants someone who doesn’t need a lot of hand-holding.

Determine a timeline.

When you’re following up, it’s important that you determine the right timeline so you’re not just bothering the hiring manager for the sake of it. The hiring manager has other duties along with filling this position, so a little contact can go a long way. After the interview, send a thank you note to reiterate interest. Then follow up at the time indicated in the interview. After that, follow up one or two more times.

Continue searching.

Throughout this process, make sure you’re not putting all your eggs in just one basket. Never stop your search just because you feel great about a particular job interview. There will always be more qualified candidates than a company can hire, so you’re not guaranteed the position. Keep searching and don’t lose your momentum.

The holiday season is sneaking up on us faster than we would like to admit. And with all the added pressures of making the holidays perfect for you, your family, or your friends you may find that you aren’t making enough money to do all of the things you want to this season. What if you could make a little extra cash on the side? Seasonal jobs have been a great solution for many people who just need some additional money during the holidays. Here are some of the reasons why a seasonal job might be the right answer for you.

You can work part-time.

Working with an agency for seasonal work doesn’t have to be a full-time commitment. You can work part-time on your own terms. Talk with a recruiter about your needs and see how they can help you find the right project for the holidays that can give you some extra cash to get you throughout.

You don’t have a long-term commitment.

Seasonal work is as advertised. They are short assignments meant to carry a company through the season as well. Some may be due to increased workload depending on the industry. Others may be covering for the vacation time permanent employees might take around the holidays.

You may have a flexible schedule.

Another great reason to do short-term seasonal work is to be flexible. You may also have commitments during the holidays and working a full-time second job wouldn’t fit into your plans. With seasonal work, you can talk to the recruiter about your scheduling needs and work only the times you want.

You can learn new skills.

Of course, the flexibility, commitment, and part-time nature aren’t the only benefits of seasonal work. When you are doing a new job, no matter how temporary, you are going to run into new tasks along the way. Once you know how to do them, you have added new skills to your resume – making you a more valuable candidate in your next job search.

You can increase your network.

Temporary and seasonal staffing also has the added benefit of networking. You make the connections at the agency. You make connections at the job, both in management and in their internal staff. You may even meet other seasonal employees who may have something to offer in the future.

Find Your Next Job With a Top Temporary Staffing Agency in Houston TX

Do you want a seasonal job to earn extra money for the holidays? Contact Meador Staffing today, now hiring for temporary jobs in Houston TX and its surrounding cities.

Are you feeling frustrated by your job search? Have you taken a step back to have a critical look at what might be in your way? There may be several obstacles holding you back, so it’s important to see them and determine the best solution. Whether the hurdle is self-imposed or from an outside source, they can be overcome. Let’s take a look at some of the common obstacles job seekers face and what you can do about them.

Only using one method to apply.

Many job seekers make a big mistake by following only the path of least resistance in the job market. Applying for jobs online using the popular job boards is, by far, the easiest way. But it isn’t always the most effective. Instead, vary your methods by applying online, connecting through social media, networking in person, and more.

Not having enough experience.

You may find yourself not applying for jobs you really want because you’re worried you don’t have enough experience. And in some cases, this may be a reasonable strategy. But not having all of the exact experience isn’t always an issue on the job market. Look at the experience you do have. Could it be transferable? Could you market yourself differently?

Saying you can’t network.

Networking in person can be scary, especially if you’re introverted or shy. But simply avoiding it can be the very difference in your job search. Challenge yourself to get out there. Pick just one event a month. Make sure to bring business cards with you. But also push yourself to get at least 5 business cards. Then make sure you’re following up.

Thinking the employer holds the cards.

Many job seekers believe that the only power in the job market lies with the employer. But that isn’t always the case. You have the talent they need, so leverage that. Create a list of employers you want to work within your community. Next, connect with them on social media. When the time is right, ask them how you can apply with their company. You’ll be surprised by the results.

Not looking at all your options.

Finally, many job seekers pigeonhole themselves without even realizing it. If you’re avoiding certain opportunities or avenues, you may be cutting yourself off from the very job that’s perfect. Always weigh your options. Always look outside of the box. Give yourself a chance to be creative in your search and try new things.